Old Forge Lakefront and Beach
A clean, family-friendly beach on Old Forge Lake, featuring a pirate ship playground and easy access to town amenities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy the sun before closing
Old Forge Lakefront and Beach
Best Time
Enjoy the sun before closing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A clean, family-friendly beach on Old Forge Lake, featuring a pirate ship playground and easy access to town amenities.
"Gorgeous beach, very clean with lifeguards, shallow vs deep end, and a raft/diving board."
⏰ Stick to the Schedule
The beach closes at 6 PM sharp, so plan your visit accordingly to get the most out of your day. :clock1:
🏴☠️ Playground Fun
Don't miss the unique pirate ship playground – a big hit with kids! :child: :pirate_flag:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 103 reviews
Type
Beach
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Main Beach
Old Forge Lakefront
A clean, inviting sandy beach with lifeguards, a shallow area for kids, and a diving board for the adventurous.
Pirate Ship Playground
Adjacent to the beach
An imaginative playground shaped like a pirate ship, perfect for keeping younger visitors entertained.
Scenic Water Views
Along the lakefront
Enjoy picturesque views of the lake, ideal for relaxing strolls or simply soaking in the natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Clock: Early Bird Gets the Beach
Beyond the Sand: Town Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Upstate NY Summer road-trip tips?
Taking a 2-week road trip with the family in mid July. Driving down from Quebec City and back. Stopping for a few days in nyc but no other plans yet. We’ve spent our whole lives out west, mostly in the Pacific Northwest. During the summers we love hanging out at the river, at…
⏰ Stick to the Schedule
The beach closes at 6 PM sharp, so plan your visit accordingly to get the most out of your day. :clock1:
🏴☠️ Playground Fun
Don't miss the unique pirate ship playground – a big hit with kids! :child: :pirate_flag:
Where are some places within 2-3 hours of Albany that are fun to go to for a weekend? I have 2 kids also(9 &4)
Hi! I wanted to do a weekend trip with my family but I'm not sure where to go. I am about 20 minutes outside of Albany and I thought it would be best to stay within a 2-3 hour driving distance especially for our first try. I have a 9 year old son and 4 year old daughter. They…
Never done this drive before, which route is the most scenic? Any tips/must stops/must avoids?
Middle route… white lake, otter lake, old forge, inlet, raquette lake all have bars/restaurants/shops…. Blue mountain lake has the ADK Experience, I highly recommend that but I would plan spending at least 4 hours there.
🚶♀️ Explore the Town
The beach is right next to shops and restaurants, perfect for a post-swim stroll. :shoppingbags: :forkandknifewith_plate:
🏊♀️ Divided Waters
Enjoy safe swimming with clearly marked shallow and deep ends, plus a diving board. :swimmer:
What is there to do in this area of NY?
Hey everyone! My wife and I are visiting the 1000 islands and want to do some more things in the area. We will be staying in Watertown and have no problem driving to go places. TYIA.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏰ Stick to the Schedule
The beach closes at 6 PM sharp, so plan your visit accordingly to get the most out of your day. :clock1:
🏴☠️ Playground Fun
Don't miss the unique pirate ship playground – a big hit with kids! :child: :pirate_flag:
🚶♀️ Explore the Town
The beach is right next to shops and restaurants, perfect for a post-swim stroll. :shoppingbags: :forkandknifewith_plate:
🏊♀️ Divided Waters
Enjoy safe swimming with clearly marked shallow and deep ends, plus a diving board. :swimmer:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors love the clean, well-maintained beach with its clear water and helpful lifeguards. The pirate ship playground is a huge hit with families, and the convenient location next to town amenities is a major plus. The main drawback is the early 6 PM closing time, which can feel restrictive on long summer days.
"Gorgeous beach. Looks very clean in comparison to lake champlain which is the one I live near. Life guards there. Shallow vs deep end divided and raft and diving board available. My only issue is that it closes so early..6pm ..the sun was really strong today and I wasnt even in water but had to leave. Wish I had arrived earlier."
Kristin Carlson
"Nice and cool little town beach(called"Tow Beach") life guard, public access, restrooms,
volleyball net, right next to town restaurants, shops, boat rentals, fishing, picnic tables, hotels, etc."
David S
"Great beach and playground!"
Karie Hammond
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Forge Lakefront and Beach is centrally located in the town of Old Forge, NY. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. If you're coming from further afield, consider it a great stop on an Upstate NY road trip.
Yes, there is parking available near the Old Forge Lakefront and Beach, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
While the beach is in town, public transport options might be limited. It's best to check local transit schedules if you're relying on public transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Old Forge Lakefront and Beach is a public beach, generally offering free access. However, it's always a good idea to check for any seasonal fees or specific town regulations.
The beach typically closes at 6 PM, so plan your visit to enjoy the full daylight hours. It's recommended to arrive earlier in the day, especially during peak season.
Yes, lifeguards are present at the Old Forge Lakefront and Beach, ensuring a safer swimming experience for visitors.
Picnic tables are available, suggesting that bringing your own food and drinks is generally permitted. However, always be mindful of local rules regarding alcohol and waste disposal.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Besides swimming, you can enjoy the playground, tennis courts, and simply relax by the water. The adjacent town offers boat rentals and fishing opportunities.
Absolutely! The beach has a designated shallow end perfect for little ones, and the pirate ship playground is a major draw for families.
Public restrooms are available at the beach, making it convenient for longer stays.
Boat rentals are available in the town adjacent to the lakefront, offering options for exploring the water beyond the beach area.
Reviews suggest the water is clean and inviting, often compared favorably to other nearby lakes.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the beach is conveniently located right next to the town's main street, which is lined with various restaurants and shops.
You'll find a range of dining options, from casual eateries to more established restaurants, catering to different tastes.
Picnic tables are provided, making it a great spot for a family picnic. Remember to clean up after yourself.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the scenic lake views, the unique pirate ship playground, and the lively beach atmosphere. The surrounding town also offers charming photo opportunities.
While the beach closes at 6 PM, the surrounding lake area might offer beautiful sunset views if you time your departure or find a vantage point nearby.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit